NEC introduces the HX0830M1 infrared sensor module with integrated image processing circuitry. This module can be used for car night vision and is supposed to deliver sharp images comparable to B/W TV images.

IR heat detection is one of the technologies to see in the dark. To enhance the security while driving at night, car makers are adding night vision technologies into their cars. Here is a video demonstrating night vision from BMW.

The NEC HX0830M1 detects IR radiation of 8-14micrometer from objects and ambience.

The images have QVGA resolution and are available via NTSC or PAL format.
The measurements of this infrared camera module are 38x38x65mm.
See also this NEC press-release (Japanese) and Nikkei.Net (Subscription).